Nancy Myers-ing Your Life — It's (Not) Complicated

Considering Tiktok is exploding with romcom quotes, character analyses, and “Frazzled English Woman” fashion inspiration, it's fair to say that chick flicks are one of the biggest film trends out there. And who doesn't love a light-hearted break from the chaos of life to laugh at the chaos of other people's lives? I consider myself an expert on comedies of romance – the best parts of my day involve taking a few minutes to marvel at a perfectly curated piece of (admittedly not high) literature or aesthetically pleasing visual experience.

Referring to my vast knowledge, I consider one director to be in command of these traits above all others – Nancy Myers, director of The Holiday, The Parent Trap, and It's Complicated. But what if Myers' mastery doesn't have to stay confined to the page? It might be worth including a little bit of romcom in your life…

The most obvious reason to incorporate the directorial style of chick flicks into your life is for the considerable aesthetic benefit. Just because you're modelling your life after a movie doesn't necessarily mean everything has to look picture-perfect constantly; directors like Myers and Sharon McGuire (of Bridget Jones' Diary fame) love to incorporate clutter to flesh out a character. So, the next time you feel bad about the mess of your room – don't. You're simply as iconic as Bridget Jones.

The eclectic spaces in these well-loved films include character not only through clutter but through the "set pieces" that take up space intentionally in a room. Include photographs of you and your friends laughing, a trinket gifted to you by your emotional support English teacher, and something inherited from a dear relative, and you're already 90% of the way there.  

Another aesthetic element, fashion, is also a defining figure of many beloved characters. Think Jules Ostin from The Intern, Elizabeth James from The Parent Trap, and Iris Simpkins from The Holiday. They each have distinctive styles and each make the audience feel ready to dive further into fresh linen sheets piled high with blankets and reach for another mug of tea, hot chocolate, or even a cocktail at 11am (you're a movie character – it's not unhealthy, it's iconic!). Whatever your style (in fashion or drink choices), pair it with an accessory that makes you feel like a Hollywood superstar and strut your stuff.

Soundtrack is also important for this particular aspect of living like a main character - some directors opt for upbeat retro hits whilst others choose soaring orchestral scores, but the most important point is that the beat matches the nod of your head as you obnoxiously belt out your favourite tunes and dance with abandon. Plug your headphones into the perfect playlist and walk through the streets like the main character you truly are.  

The point I'm trying to get at here is that romcoms aren't a way to escape who you are – it's the most effective way to embrace it. Each romcom is different and each character wildly themselves; there are no rules. The only way to truly encapsulate the energy of a movie is to leave rules behind and be unashamedly you. Uncool? No romcom character ever fit in with the crowd. Clumsy? Every perfectly timed trip just makes the audience find you all the more loveable. See the falls as the intentional comedic relief in a detailed and engaging plot. Despite some (very) questionable life choices, every character makes the most of their position and never loses their determination to get what they want; viewing your life as a movie forces you to take another perspective on your own life. Every mishap is just another plot point before you reach your happy ending. 

Okay, I will neither confirm nor deny if this article was an excuse to rewatch my favourite chick flicks, but sometimes the blind joy of indulgence is truly a valuable break from the stress of a judgemental society. We adore the protagonists of romcoms because they're unique, chaotic, driven, and have seemingly endless lust for life - they stand out from the other characters because they are unashamedly themselves.

The only productive way to bring the joy of Nancy Myers into your life is by being unashamedly yourself, rewriting your script to only include the most fun scenes, and "dressing your set" with props that reflect who you are and what you love. Ignoring the haters (seriously, are they allergic to joy?) who protest the superficiality of dedicating your life to feeling like a movie character, implementing the techniques of your favourite directors into your everyday is more an expression of personal style than copying that of others. Emulating chick flicks is a sure-fire way bring more joy, gratitude and magic in your life, and to remind yourself to treat each plot point of life with some grace.

So, leave all your background actors behind; it's time to enter your real main character era. With or without the romance bit.